Vent register adapter

ABSTRACT

A vent register adapter is described which is designed specifically to assist in the installation of floor, ceiling and wall vent registers. All known vent registers are screwed directly into the vent surroundings. The surroundings are typically dry wall, wooden studs or the metal framework of the venting system itself. Often the vent void is somewhat irregular, which results in the vent register not fitting exactly or securely into the vent ducting. The embodiments of the invention relate to a rectangular plate having a layer of adhesive on the rear which can be attached around the vent void, thereby creating a regular and secure surface surrounding the vent ducting onto which the vent register can be attached.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of vent registers, specifically to an adapter to assist in the installation of floor, ceiling and wall vent registers.

BACKGROUND

U.S. Pat. No. 10,697,849 (Mizrahi) discloses a flex duct adapter with quick connect flange for duct tester. The register adapter comprising a flange adapter, having a flange being a generally planar surface configured to abut a register grill when the flange adapter is attached to the register grill the flange having a generally circular opening and a cylindrical portion extending from the flange, the cylindrical portion generally aligned with the circular opening and a support member attached to the interior of the cylindrical portion with an attachment means located on the support member, the attachment means configured to removably attach to the register grill, holding the flange adapter in place on the register grill. This invention relates to a quick fit adapter to attached to a front surface of an installed vent register.

CA Pat No. 2,497,636 (Snyder) discloses a register grille and connector frame with releasable connection. The combination of a grille and a connector frame for a duct outlet in a HVAC system. At least one lock element extends from one of the connector frames and the grille and releasably engages the other of the connector frame and grille in a releasable connection to hold the grille to the connector frame. The lock element may be manipulated from the exterior of the grille to release the grille from the connector frame without the use of tools.

U.S. Pat. No. 8,152,013 (Hendricks) discloses a universal mounting block system. A wall-mounting block or frame is used to mount fixtures to exterior building walls having siding. The wall-mounting block includes two major parts, a first or base section and a second or holding section which are both configured as cap-like structures detachably connected to each other with integrated, adjustable connectors. The present design eliminates the need for special hardware to attach the holding section to the base section, and helps prevent awkward mounting situations.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,601,356 (Snyder) discloses a connector frame for ventilation opening. A connector frame for use as a support member for mounting grilles at ventilation openings in a building structure. The connector frame allows the grills to be mounted in slightly different locations to hide imperfections at the edges of the ventilation openings. The connector frame may include a pair of single connector frames that may be separated into two singly usable frames. This invention relates to improvements in mounting grilles and louvers in the air duct outlets of heating and cooling systems in a building structure. Specifically, the invention relates to a frame positioned at the ventilation opening that allows a grill to be mounted to the frame.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,928,078 (Moore) discloses a floor register mounting frame. A connection flange, used to fasten a floor register to a precut hole while providing an integral connection means for an air duct fitting. This invention relates to the installation of registers and grilles used as air outlets or inlets in warm air heating, ventilating, and air conditioning systems, specifically to floor mounted registers.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,880,085 (Nurenberg) discloses a wall mount assembly. When the wall mount assembly is mounted to the building, the flange member abuts against the building surface, wherein the siding material can be overlaid on top of the flange member to create an aesthetic appearance. The wall mount assembly includes a base member, the cover member is quite different from those of the previously described wall mount assemblies, as it comprised a vent or exhaust hood, e.g., those used in connection with dryer vents.

U.S. Appl. No. 2010/0159821 (Bredahl) discloses an exhaust wall cap vent sleeve unit. The exhaust wall cap vent sleeve unit with a recessed damper assembly incorporated into a wall cap sleeve for conducting exhaust gasses from an exhaust duct through a wall of a structure and a method for installing the same which slides into an exhaust duct.

CA Pat. No. 3,008,655 (Mantenuto) discloses a register assembly. The register assembly for inserting into floors, ceilings and walls, comprising a first open top box having a bottom surface, which defines a centrally disposed opening through which air flows from a first environment to a second environment. A support is disposed within the first open top box. A second open top box nests within the first open top box, and is supported by the support. A restraint is associated with the first and second box to restrain the second box within the first box.

DE Pat. No 2020/11107886 (Blank) discloses a ventilation grille insert frame arrangement. The invention is therefore based on the object of providing a generic ventilation grille insert frame arrangement which can be used flexibly and which can therefore be easily adapted in its visual appearance to different personal tastes. An insert frame opening is generally understood here to mean an opening which is provided or designed to receive an insert frame. The insertion frame opening is preferably formed in a wall, ceiling, floor or the like made of any suitable material such as concrete, masonry or the like.

All documents cited herein are incorporated by reference.

None of the above cited documents, alone or in combination satisfy the need for a vent register adapter that aids the installation of vent registers into uneven or irregular shaped vent ducting void openings.

BRIEF SUMMARY

It is an object of the invention to provide a vent register adapter.

In accordance with an aspect of the invention there is provided a vent register adapter, said adapter comprising: a rectangular plate sized and configured to cooperate with a vent register, said plate having a front surface; a rear surface; four outer edges defining outer limits of vent register; and four inner edges defining outer limits of vent duct; two or more mounting clips disposed on said rectangular plate; a threaded screw hole disposed in each of said two or more mounting clips; a layer of adhesive applied to said rear surface of said rectangular plate.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention there is provided a vent register adapter as disclosed above wherein said threaded screw hole has a rear collar projecting through said mounting clip and extending beyond said rear surface of said rectangular plate.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention there is provided a method of installing the vent register adapter as described above, said method comprising: cleaning surface surrounding outer limits of vent duct; removing the releasable tape from the layer of adhesive that is applied to the rear surface of the rectangular plate; adhering the rear surface of the rectangular plate to the outer limits of vent duct; securing the vent register in place over the vent register adaptor using screws inserted into cooperating threaded screw holes and screw holes in vent register.

The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like elements are identified with like symbols.

To easily identify the discussion of any particular element or act, the most significant digit or digits in a reference number refer to the figure number in which that element is first introduced.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To easily identify the discussion of any particular element or act, the most significant digit or digits in a reference number refer to the figure number in which that element is first introduced.

FIG. 1 illustrates a front aspect of the subject matter in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a rear aspect of the subject matter in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates a side aspect of the subject matter in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective exploded aspect of the subject matter in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Devices and methods for carrying out the invention are presented in terms of embodiments depicted within the FIGS. However, the invention is not limited to the described embodiments, and a person skilled in the art will appreciate that many other embodiments of the invention are possible without deviating from the basic concept of the invention, and that any such work around will also fall under scope of this invention. It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and the configurations shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope.

Embodiments of the invention as described herein relate to an adapter designed specifically to assist in the installation of floor, ceiling and wall vent registers. All known vent registers are screwed directly into the vent surroundings. The surroundings are typically dry wall, wooden studs or the metal framework of the venting system itself. Often the vent void is somewhat irregular, which results in the vent register not fitting exactly or securely into the vent ducting.

The embodiments of the invention relate to a rectangular plate having a layer of adhesive on the rear which can be attached around the vent void, thereby creating a regular and secure surface surrounding the vent ducting onto which the vent register can be attached.

The features of the invention which are believed to be novel are particularly pointed out in the specification. The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are intended to be read in conjunction with both this summary, the detailed description and any preferred and/or particular embodiments specifically discussed or otherwise disclosed. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided by way of illustration only and so that this disclosure will be thorough, complete and will fully convey the full scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of an embodiment of the invention.

In the embodiment of the invention shown here, the front surface 102 of the rectangular vent register adapter can be seen. Two mounting clips 104 are located at mid points along the shorter sides of the rectangular vent adapter. Each of the mounting clips 104 as a threaded screw hole 106 located therein. The interior edge 110 of the adapter defines the inner void space that is in communication with the vent ducting of the HVAC system. The exterior edge 108 of the adaptor defines the outer edge surround of the vent register.

FIG. 2 illustrates a rear view of an embodiment of the invention.

In the embodiment of the invention shown here, the rear surface 202 of the rectangular vent register adapter can be seen. The mounting clips 104, threaded screw holes 106 and exterior edges 108 and interior edges 110, as described in FIG. 1 can be seen.

The rear surface 202 of the vent adaptor has a layer of adhesive layer 204 applied.

FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of an embodiment of the invention.

In the embodiment of the invention shown here, the exterior edge 108 can be seen. The threaded screw holes 106 (not shown) have short rear collars 302 extending perpendicularly from the rear surface 202 of the adaptor. The function of the rear collars 302 is to provide an additional threaded section to hold and secure the screws, if necessary.

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective exploded view of an embodiment of the invention.

In the embodiment of the invention as shown here, the positioning of the adaptor can be seen. The vent register screw holes 406 can be seen aligning with the threaded screw holes 106 on the front surface 102 of the adaptor.

The method of installing the inventive vent register adaptor comprises; cleaning the surface surrounding the vent duct void; removing the removable tape from the adhesive that is applied to the rear surface 202, of the adaptor; adhering the adaptor in place around the vent duct void; securing the vent register in place over the vent register adaptor using screws inserted into the cooperating threaded screw holes 106 and the vent register screw holes 406.

The embodiments of the vent register disclosed herein relate to an adaptor that fits under floor, wall and ceiling registers. It is adaptable to all shapes and sizes of vent register. It adheres to the tin duct work behind the wall, indeed it can fasten vent registers in place to any materials thereby allowing air communication from the HVAC system. Typical embodiments have two screw holes for the register to attach. When installed, it keeps the register covers in place. The design helps in finishing all the venting in a house or building, and looks aesthetically more pleasing. It is easy to use and reuse. Conventionally, registers are generally fastened to tin and or drywall and generally move around in cutout. Embodiments of the invention solves this issue. The dimensions of product are made to fit any and all vent receptacles. The rear of the vent adapter is covered with an adhesive to bond to all materials, thereby making installation quick and easy. The adhesive is taped and ready to use.

The adapter can be fabricated from various different metals including, but not limited to: steel, stainless steel, and aluminum. Alternatively, the adapters can be fabricated various plastics, the plastics may be 3D printed, injection molded or extruded.

An example of 3D printable plastics includes polylactic acid, or PLA, this material has the benefit of being biodegradable as it is manufactured using renewable raw materials such as corn starch. ABS filament another type of 3D printing thermoplastic which contains a base of elastomers based on polybutadiene, making it more flexible, and resistant to shocks. ASA is a material that has similar properties to ABS, but has a greater resistance to UV rays. Polyethylene terephthalate, or PET, is ideal for fabricating larger more rigid frames. PETG, is a glycolyzed PET polymer that combines both the simplicity of PLA 3D printing and the strength of ABS, and it is 100% recyclable. Numerous other 3D printable polymers, hybrids and composites are known and considered to be within the scope of protection sought.

Plastics that are particularly suitable for injection molding include Nylon™, acrylics, which are particularly suitable for being tinted, polycarbonate (PC), polyoxymethylene (POM), polystyrene (PS), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), and thermoplastic rubber (TPR).

Plastics that are particularly suitable for extrusion include polyethylene (PE), polypropylene, acetal, acrylic, nylon (polyamides), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and polycarbonate.

The adhesive that is applied to the rear of the adapter plate can be any industrial strength adhesive know in the field. Typically, the adhesive is supplied adhered to the rear of the plate and is covered be an easy peel release layer. The adhesive may be selected from the group including, but not limited to: acrylic adhesives; rubber-based adhesives; silicone adhesives; and polyurethane or isocyanate adhesives. Acrylic adhesives provide excellent environmental resistance and provide a faster setting time than other adhesives. Rubber-based adhesives provide highly flexible bonds and are usually based on butadiene-styrene, butyl, polyisobutylene or nitrile compounds. Silicone adhesives and sealants have a high degree of flexibility and are resistant to very high temperatures. Polyurethane and Isocyanate adhesives provide more flexibility, impact, resistance, and durability.

The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention and method of use to the precise forms disclosed. Obviously, many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments described were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions or substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but is intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention. 

1. A vent register adapter, said adapter comprising: a rectangular plate sized and configured to cooperate with a vent register, said plate having a front surface; a rear surface; four outer edges defining outer limits of vent register; and four inner edges defining outer limits of vent duct; two or more mounting clips disposed on said rectangular plate; a threaded screw hole disposed in each of said two or more mounting clips; a layer of adhesive applied to said rear surface of said rectangular plate.
 2. The adapter of claim 1, wherein said threaded screw hole has a rear collar projecting through said mounting clip and extending beyond said rear surface of said rectangular plate.
 3. The adapter of claim 1, wherein two of said mounting clips are disposed on said rectangular plate, one mounting clip being disposed at a mid-point on one short side of said rectangular plate, and the other mounting clip being disposed at a mid-point on the other short side of said rectangular plate.
 4. The adapter of claim 1, wherein said layer of adhesive applied to said rear surface of said rectangular plate is protected with a releasable tape.
 5. The adapter of claim 4, wherein said adhesive is selected from the group comprising: acrylic adhesives; rubber-based adhesives; silicone adhesives; polyurethane; and isocyanate adhesives.
 6. The adapter of claim 1, wherein said vent register adapter is fabricated from metals selected from the group comprising: steel; stainless steel; and aluminum.
 7. The adapter of claim 1, wherein said vent register adapter is fabricated from injection molded plastics, selected from the group comprising: Nylon™; acrylics; polycarbonate (PC); polyoxymethylene (POM); polystyrene (PS); acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS); polypropylene (PP); polyethylene (PE); thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU); and thermoplastic rubber (TPR).
 8. The adapter of claim 1, wherein said vent register adapter is fabricated from extrudable plastics, selected from the group comprising: polyethylene (PE); polypropylene; acetal; acrylic; Nylon™; polyamides; polyvinyl chloride (PVC); acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS); and polycarbonate.
 9. The adapter of claim 1, wherein said vent register adapter is fabricated from 3D printed plastics, selected from the group comprising: polylactic acid (PLA); ABS filament; polybutadiene elastomers; ASA; polyethylene terephthalate (PET); and PETG (glycolyzed PET polymer).
 10. The adapter of claim 1, wherein said four outer edges are sized and dimensioned to accommodate a floor, wall or ceiling vent register.
 11. The adapter of claim 1, wherein said four inner edges are sized and dimensioned to accommodate a floor, wall or ceiling vent.
 12. A method of installing the vent register adapter of claim 4, said method comprising: cleaning surface surrounding outer limits of vent duct; removing the releasable tape from the layer of adhesive that is applied to the rear surface of the rectangular plate; adhering the rear surface of the rectangular plate to the outer limits of vent duct; securing the vent register in place over the vent register adaptor using screws inserted into cooperating threaded screw holes and screw holes in vent register. 